Laws & Social StigmasIn South Africa, you can purchase emergency contraception (the morning after pill) without a prescription if you're over 16 years old. If you're under 16 years old, you'll probably need to obtain a prescription or visit a family planning clinic.[8] It's reported that 19.6% of South African women of reproductive age have knowledge of EC and .5% have ever used EC.[9]

This needs to be verified -- but it appears that you need to be female (i.e. the person who is assumed to need the EC) to purchase emergency contraceptives. Friends or partners cannot purchase EC for you.

Warning: There are some street peddlers in South Africa who sell emergency contraceptives. Some claim that they're off-duty nurses, pharmacists or pharmacy assistants. Do NOT buy EC from them. The pills they sell may be defective, counterfeit or low-quality. The pills may also be overpriced. You can easily purchase EC in pharmacies in South Africa at reasonable and standardized prices, so there's no reason to buy EC pills from street peddlers.[10]

What to Get & Where to Get ItNote: The longest-lasting EC is currently ellaOne. It lasts up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Check to see if your country carries ellaOne. If your country doesn't carry ellaOne, copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If none of these options are available, and it's been over 3 days since you had unprotected sex, you can still take EC, which may work up to 5 days. Note that EC pills are not 100% effective and should be taken as soon as possible.

Escapelle (available from a pharmacist without a prescription)Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex:[12]

NorLevo 0.75 mg (available from a pharmacist without a prescription)Oral Contraceptives used for EC / Progestin Only[13] Take 50 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex:

MicrovalOral Contraceptives used for EC / Progestin-Estrogen Combined Note: in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later:[14]